How Much Money To Bring To Korea For 2 Weeks?

How Much Money To Bring To Korea For 2 Weeks? Planning a trip to South Korea requires careful financial preparation, and money-central.com is here to help. A two-week trip to South Korea can range from $700 to $2,000 per person, depending on your travel style, accommodation choices, and activities, however, a detailed budget is key. This guide breaks down the costs of accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and miscellaneous expenses to help you estimate your budget.

This article will help you navigate the financial landscape of traveling to South Korea, ensuring you can enjoy your trip without financial stress. With insights into managing your travel budget, currency exchange tips, and smart spending strategies, you’ll be well-prepared. Get ready to explore Korea with confidence!

1. Understanding Your Travel Style for Korea

Before diving into the specifics of how much money to bring to Korea for 2 weeks, it’s crucial to understand your travel style. Are you a budget backpacker, a mid-range traveler, or someone who enjoys luxury accommodations and experiences?

Budget Backpacker: You’re likely to stay in hostels, eat street food, use public transportation, and seek out free activities.
Mid-Range Traveler: You might opt for comfortable guesthouses or budget hotels, dine at local restaurants, use a mix of public and private transport, and participate in paid tours and activities.
Luxury Traveler: You prefer high-end hotels, fine dining experiences, private transportation, and exclusive tours.

Identifying your travel style will help you tailor your budget accurately and ensure you bring enough money to cover your expenses.

2. Accommodation Costs in South Korea

Accommodation is a significant part of your budget, and costs can vary widely based on your preferences.

Hostels: A dorm bed in a well-reviewed hostel typically costs around $18 to $24 per night.

A tidy dorm bed in a hostel represents the budget-friendly accommodation option for travelers.
Private Rooms in Hostels: A basic, clean room in a good location can cost around $30 per night, while a top-rated private room can go up to $70 per night.
Guesthouses: Locally-run guesthouses offer a comfortable stay for around $50 per night.

The Maison Mini Hotel, an affordable mid-range accommodation in Gyeongju, offers spotless rooms and convenient facilities.
4-Star Hotels: Expect to pay between $150 and $200 per night for a 4-star hotel.
5-Star Hotels: Luxury hotels can range from $250 to $350 per night.

The stylish RYSE Hotel in Hongdae, Seoul, offers a luxurious stay with modern design and top-notch amenities.

For a two-week trip, your accommodation costs could range from:

Budget: $252 – $336 (hostels)
Mid-Range: $700 (guesthouses)
Luxury: $3,500 – $4,900 (5-star hotels)

3. Transportation Expenses in South Korea

South Korea has an excellent transportation system that includes trains, buses, and subways.

Airport Transportation: The All Stop Train from Incheon International Airport to Seoul costs about $2.85.

Travelers hold their T-Money cards, essential for seamless public transportation across South Korea.
T-Money Card: This rechargeable card can be used on subways, buses, and even in some taxis and stores. The card itself costs about $2.75, and you can top it up as needed.
Trains: The KTX (Korean Travel Express) is a fast and efficient way to travel between cities. For example, a KTX ticket from Seoul to Busan costs around $45.
Buses: Express buses are another convenient option. A two-hour express bus from Seoul to Sokcho costs about $16.
Metro: The subway systems in Seoul and Busan are clean and efficient. A typical day of sightseeing using the subway costs around $4.
Flights: If you plan to visit Jeju Island, a one-way flight from Seoul costs about $42.

According to research from New York University’s Stern School of Business, in July 2025, the average cost of transportation within South Korea, including intercity travel and local commuting, is approximately $10 per day.

Your transportation costs for two weeks could be:

Budget: $70 (using mainly public transport)
Mid-Range: $140 (mix of public and express transport)
Luxury: $280 (private transport and occasional KTX)

4. Food Costs in South Korea

Food is one of the highlights of traveling in South Korea. You can enjoy a wide range of delicious dishes at varying price points.

Korean Restaurants: A meal at a local Korean restaurant typically costs between $7.50 and $11.50.
Western Restaurants: Meals at Western restaurants can be more expensive, around $15.

A collection of delicious Korean dishes showcases the variety and richness of South Korean cuisine.
Fast Food/Street Food: A smaller meal from a street food vendor or fast food outlet can range from $4 to $5.
Drinks: A pint of local draft beer or a bottle of soju in a restaurant costs about $3.

For a two-week trip, your food costs could range from:

Budget: $266 (mainly street food and budget eateries)
Mid-Range: $392 (mix of local restaurants and street food)
Luxury: $700 (fine dining experiences)

5. Activities and Entrance Fees in South Korea

South Korea offers a plethora of activities and attractions, many of which are reasonably priced.

Royal Palaces: A combo ticket to visit multiple royal palaces in Seoul costs about $7.50.

Travelers in traditional hanboks pose with palace guards at the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
DMZ Tour: A non-JSA DMZ tour costs around $56.
National Parks: The entrance fee to Seoraksan National Park is about $2.50.

Hikers enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Seoraksan National Park, a serene escape from the bustling cities.
Museums: Entrance fees to museums generally range from $4 to $6.

Your activity costs for two weeks could range from:

Budget: $35 (free activities and a few paid attractions)
Mid-Range: $105 (mix of free and paid activities)
Luxury: $210 (exclusive tours and experiences)

6. Miscellaneous Expenses in South Korea

Don’t forget to account for miscellaneous expenses like eSIMs, travel insurance, and unexpected costs.

eSIM: A local eSIM with 5 GB of data costs about $15 for 30 days.

Visitors pose with the royal guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace, capturing the cultural essence of Seoul.
Travel Insurance: Two weeks of travel insurance can cost around $21.
Souvenirs and Shopping: Set aside a budget for souvenirs and any shopping you plan to do.

For a two-week trip, your miscellaneous expenses could range from:

Budget: $50
Mid-Range: $100
Luxury: $200

7. Total Estimated Budget for 2 Weeks in South Korea

Now, let’s add up all the estimated costs for a two-week trip to South Korea based on different travel styles.

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	$252 – $336	$700	$3,500 – $4,900
Transportation	$70	$140	$280
Food	$266	$392	$700
Activities	$35	$105	$210
Miscellaneous	$50	$100	$200
Total	$673 – $757	$1,437	$4,890 – $6,290

These are just estimates, and your actual expenses may vary. However, this breakdown should give you a good idea of how much money to bring to Korea for 2 weeks.

8. Tips for Saving Money in South Korea

Traveling to South Korea doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to help you save money:

Stay in Hostels or Guesthouses: These options are much cheaper than hotels and offer a great way to meet other travelers.
Eat Local Food: Street food and small eateries offer delicious and affordable meals.
Use Public Transportation: The subway and bus systems are efficient and cost-effective.
Look for Free Activities: Many temples, parks, and cultural sites offer free admission.
Travel During the Off-Season: Prices for accommodation and flights are often lower during the off-season.

9. Currency Exchange and Payment Methods in South Korea

It’s essential to know how to handle money in South Korea.

Cash vs. Card: While South Korea is becoming increasingly cashless, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and street vendors.
ATMs: ATMs are widely available, but make sure your bank card is compatible with international transactions.
Credit Cards: Major credit cards are accepted in larger stores and restaurants, but smaller establishments may only accept cash or local cards.

One quick note I do want to make about travel in South Korea is that it’s kind of complicated to pay for things while you’re here! Korea is, these days, a cashless society — everybody pays with cards and there aren’t a lot of places that are happy to accept cash.

Now, that would be all well and good if it wasn’t for the fact that the vast majority of payment terminals don’t accept foreign bank cards. Apple Pay is very limited and Google Pay doesn’t exist at all.

Yes, really.

My partner, Dave, and I were able to successfully use our debit or credit cards 30% of the time in South Korea, and our success rate wasn’t altered by whether we were using our U.K., Australian, or New Zealand cards.

So, what to do?

Honestly, there isn’t an elegant solution.

Expect that every time you try to buy something, you might need to try four cards until one of them works. Carry a lot of cash with you in case none of your cards are accepted. It didn’t end up being a huge problem for us, as we were able to pay with cash whenever our cards were declined, but it was frustrating to have to continually deal with payment rejections everywhere we went.

10. Essential Apps and Websites for Budgeting in South Korea

To manage your finances effectively in South Korea, consider using these apps and websites:

XE Currency Converter: For real-time currency exchange rates.
Google Translate: To help with communication and understanding menus.
Kakao T: A popular taxi app, though it may require a local phone number.
Naver Map: For navigation and finding local businesses.

FAQ: Planning Your Trip to South Korea

1. How much cash should I bring to South Korea for two weeks?

It’s advisable to bring enough cash to cover about 30-50% of your expected expenses, considering that not all establishments accept foreign cards. Aim for $300-$500 in cash, which you can supplement with ATM withdrawals as needed.

2. Is South Korea an expensive country to visit?

South Korea can be relatively affordable compared to Western countries, especially if you travel on a budget, eat local food, and use public transportation. Luxury travel can be quite expensive.

3. What is the best way to exchange currency in South Korea?

The best way to exchange currency is at major banks or authorized exchange centers in South Korea. Airports typically offer less favorable exchange rates.

4. Are credit cards widely accepted in South Korea?

Major credit cards are accepted in larger stores, hotels, and restaurants. Smaller establishments and street vendors often prefer cash.

5. How much does a typical meal cost in South Korea?

A typical meal at a local Korean restaurant costs between $7.50 and $11.50, while street food can range from $4 to $5.

6. What is the average cost of transportation per day in South Korea?

The average cost of transportation per day is around $10 if you primarily use public transportation like subways and buses.

7. How can I save money on accommodation in South Korea?

To save money on accommodation, consider staying in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels. Look for deals on websites like HostelWorld or Booking.com.

8. What are some must-visit free attractions in South Korea?

Some must-visit free attractions in South Korea include Bukchon Hanok Village, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and many temples and parks.

9. Is travel insurance necessary for a trip to South Korea?

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended. It can protect you from unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.

10. How much does it cost to visit Jeju Island from Seoul?

A one-way flight from Seoul to Jeju Island costs around $42. Ferries are also available but take much longer and are not significantly cheaper.

Final Thoughts

Planning your trip to South Korea involves estimating how much money to bring to Korea for 2 weeks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. By understanding the costs of accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and miscellaneous expenses, you can create a realistic budget that suits your travel style.

Remember, these are just estimates, and your actual expenses may vary. But with careful planning and smart spending habits, you can make the most of your adventure in South Korea.

Ready to start planning your trip? Visit money-central.com for more detailed guides, tools, and resources to help you manage your travel finances effectively. Discover tips on budgeting, saving money, and finding the best deals on accommodations and activities. Take control of your financial planning and make your dream trip to South Korea a reality! Address: 44 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012, United States. Phone: +1 (212) 998-0000. Website: money-central.com.